Complete the Jigsaw Puzzle Border First

A friend and I were visiting recently about indecisiveness in an otherwise decisive life.  With multiple life options in play, it was clear to me that in this life jigsaw puzzle, the borders weren't yet in place.  We sometimes forget that we need to complete the framework before we can successfully complete a project.

Why Didn't You Respond?

It's hard not to take it personally, when we don't get the hoped for reaction from others.  There may be multiple terrific reasons that aren't even remotely related to us, including:

• Talking on the phone with a hands-free device that isn't obvious
• Didn't see us
• Didn't hear us
• Totally absorbed in something
• Forgot
• Didn't actually receive the message
• Language or customs difference

When we feel confident, it's easier to accept that we may simply need to try again to reach our intended party. 

You Don't See What I See

We all see things a bit differently due in part to:

• actual exam results based upon 20/20
• attentiveness
• frame of reference
• distractions
• familiarity with setting
• experience
• what we are looking for
• selective perception
• feedback from others
• what else is going on in our lives
• distractions
• preferences
• interest
• timing

So, when it is important to have others see things our way, we might consider different ways of presenting our vision.

Smile in the Mirror

Before we leave the house each morning, we all use a mirror to ensure that we've accomplished the essentials.  Unfortunately, I've encountered successful individuals who don't also use their mirrors to offer a warm, validating and encouraging smile to themselves.  Smiling at ourselves in the mirror each morning is a great way to start the day.  It's easier to provide a smile to another when we've already received one.  Sometimes the gifts we give ourselves keep on giving.

Kaleidoscopic Life

Kaleidoscopes have always fascinated me.  I love the ever-changing patterns.  As I was waiting for the pasta water to boil, after adding a bit of olive oil, I realized that we can see changing patterns in many every day occurrences - if we take time to observe.

Bigger Than Life

As I was running, on this beautiful morning, before church, it was fun to see how large my shadow was.  It reminded me that when we shine a light on others, we help make their impact far larger.  

Surrounded by Family

Last night I attended solo, an annual party, that Edgar and I had always thoroughly enjoyed, ever since we began dating.  I initially intended to decline, but decided to honor our happy times by going.   I'd planned to sit with dear cousins from Edgar's Dad's side of the family, with whom he and I often enjoyed this event.  As fate would dictate, I also had the opportunity to join another set of cousins, from Edgar's Mom's side of the family.  Being flanked by family signaled to me once again that celebrating happy memories is a healthy way to move forward.